Whitstable

[nofrills]

Thinking of fulfilling the cliche and moving from north London to whitstable.
We have a little one and don't head into central London much these days but I am used to having all the conveniences and many things for little ones to do (currently in crouch end)

I am feeling a bit nervous about the whole thing, whitstable seems beautiful and a quick web search seems to throw up lots of artsy stuff - right up my street but hoping some people I the area might be able to advise...
Is it good for young families?
Any areas to focus property search on or avoid?
Do you like it there?
Is there a friendly community or are DFLs the enemy?!

Give me anything you have got on the area!!

Good for you nofrills - congrats! Hope it all goes through ok.

^Sorry. Ahem. I'm glad it's working out for you so far, I like Whitstable, it's excellent for young families and there are so many DFLs that they are above and beyond what the locals might think. You'll be part of a huge crowd of likeminded people.

I wouldn't have gone with Swalecliffe or the proper bit of Tankerton though the edge nearest Whits is nice...I mean tankerton itself is grim, in terms of shops, it's full of poodle fluffing parlours and charity shops. The houses are bigger and lovely though.^

Ummm... I'm sure there are lots of DFLs and althugh some do have quite an arrogant disposition - I don't think they really outweigh the locals though - especially not in winter

There's only one 'poodle parlour' in Tankerton (Ambrose Jones) and he lives upstairs with his family:
www.thisiskent.co.uk/Joanna-opens-cafe-canines/story-12003260-detail/story.html

Whitstable also has loads of charity shops - but I don't find it makes it grim - more characterful.

my attempt at italics on Emilie's comment didn't work

Sorry, I didn't mean to cause any offence. Just my honest opinions.

Best charity shops in the country! Definitely choose Tankerton!

I didn't mean they weren't decent ones, just that there seems to be very little else, iyswim. Whitstable has a lot but also has a lot of 'ordinary' shops, a choice of supermarkets and many more facilities in general.

I've always found the facilities in Tankerton to be sort of aimed at older, possibly retired people.

Hi ladies, only just come across this site I live in Whitstable and I am looking for an entertainer for my 1 year olds birthday. Something like puppets, singing, stories nothing to old any one got any recommendations.

Deana

No Frills - would love to know if she made the move and how it went. Great thread and more so because we are also considering the move. Any info would be appreciated!
Thank you

Also keen to know Veronica... It's on our list for future move in a couple of years and very keen to hear how ex Londoners are finding it in recent years...

Also keen to know Veronica... It's on our list for future move in a couple of years and very keen to hear how ex Londoners are finding it in recent years...

Sorry to highjack here but an Asian colleague of mine grew up in Whitstable about 10+ years ago and said the people were narrow minded and racist towards her. I loved Whitstable when visited but just wonder if the racism is still the case?

Not a hijack at all, that's the kind of thing I want to know about. Love diversity and tolerance so that anecdotal experience scares me off...